Jon Dee Graham
AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 16: Musician Jon Dee Graham of True Believers performs onstage at the True Believers Music Showcase during the 2013 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at ACL Live on March 16, 2013 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Amy E. Price/Getty Images for SXSW)

Family of Late Country Singer Speaks Out After Fake AI Videos Spread False Information

The family of the Texas musician, who died at the age of 67, says it's "insane" what some people will do for clicks.

We reported last month about the death of singer-songwriter Jon Dee Graham at the age of 67. 

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At the time, the circumstances surrounding the Texas musician's sudden passing weren't yet known. Shortly thereafter, an influx of fake accounts using AI-generated videos began spreading false rumors about Graham. 

To counter the misinformation, Graham's family went online to share the truth about what led to the artist's death. 

What Led to the Death of Jon Dee Graham?

In a Facebook post dated March 29, Graham's family addressed the rumors surrounding the beloved musician's death. 

"Thank you to everyone for the outpouring of love and support. There have been a bunch of AI videos speculating Jon Dee's death (INSANE that people are doing that for clicks)," it read. 

"Given the fact that he is a public figure, we wanted to let people know that Jon Dee passed away due to a fall on Friday. His body was under a lot of strain from the surgeries," the family wrote. "From what we have been able to deduce he was letting our dog out and fell. He died instantly from the fall according to the Medical Examiner, who only had to do a CT scan on him."

Who Is Jon Dee Graham?

Graham's music always had a touch of grit and soul. He joined The Skunks when it formed in 1978. Later, he joined The True Believers. He also played the six-string for X's John Doe, Michelle Shocked, Alejandro Escovedo, Kelly Willis, and The Gourds.

The musician's songs was also covered by numerous artists, including Patty Smyth and Patty Griffin. 

He became renowned throughout Texas, being inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame three times: in 2008 for his role with The Skunks, in 2009 for his contributions to True Believers, and eventually for his work as a solo artist.

However, Graham's reputation and fame extended far beyond the Lone Star State. Songs like "Things Might Turn Out Right" found popularity on online streaming services. 

"He was loved by so many people and touched so many people with his music, his kindness, and his endless sense of humor," his family wrote in tribute to the singer on Facebook on March 27. "His music is a gift to the world that will live on forever."